Former Faculty Member Schmidt Passes Away

Kimberly Schmidt, accomplished pianist and former North Park faculty member, died on August 10, 2007, in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was 57. Mr. Schmidt appeared in concert halls across the country in solo recital, concerti, chamber music, and as an accompanist. After winning the Allied Arts Prize in Chicago, he made his debut at Orchestra Hall. Prizes from the East-West Artists in New York and the Martin Musical Foundation in London led to recitals in Carnegie Recital Hall and the Wigmore Hall. His repertoire of concerti has ranged from Bach through Berg and Stravinsky and includes both Brahms concerti. A much sought-after accompanist, Mr. Schmidt worked with Lucia Popp, Olaf Baer, Udo Reinemann, Carol Wincenc, and Suzanne Mentzer. Mr. Schmidt recorded on the Sto-Lat, Koch, Musical Heritage, and Blue Griffin labels. Most recently released was a recording of French music for flute and piano with Richard Sherman. This album was singled out by Fanfare magazine as an outstanding release in 2006. North Park University was a fortunate recipient of Mr. Schmidt's time and talents, as he spent 12 years on faculty of the School of Music.

Mr. Schmidt maintained an active career based in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he frequently collaborated with his brother, choreographer Gordon Peirce Schmidt. Their most recent work was on the original ballet "Tatyana," based on Russian author Alexandr Pushkin's Eugene Onegin, for which Mr. Schmidt compiled, arranged, and performed the solo piano score.

He is survived by his mother, Anne Schmidt; brothers, Richard, Lawrence, and Gordon; and sister, Anne.

Visitation will be held on August 17 at Glueckert Funeral Home in Arlington Heights, Ill., from 4-9 p.m. A funeral mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on August 18 at St. James Catholic Church, also in Arlington Heights. For more details, please click here.